While the history of hockey injuries is countless in nature, it is important that we continue to analyze how our sport can be safer without compromising its foundation. USA Hockey has taken a number of steps to promote skill and development while taking into account the human development and general safety of its participants. However, ultimately the safety of every individual playing any particular sport is a responsibility of its stakeholders. Parents, players (mites to the average adult), referees, organization committees and most importantly the coaches all play a roll in preventing/minimizing injury in our sport. As a level 5 coach, I understand the priorities of each team are uniquely different and are designed around a team’s goals for the year. With these goals in mind, it is also a requirement that we continue to promote the skills of our players to the best of our ability. Edge work, angling, proper defensive positioning, stick positioning and offensive creativity are all concepts that surround the notion of body contact and can be developed at all ages to improve the participation and development of players.

With this in mind, I ask that you consider the concept of “body contact” from the perspective of your players. As a timid and unconfident skater, it is difficulty to battle for the puck in the “dirty places” on the ice. To pursue a loose puck in the corner or along the boards may result in an awkward and potentially painful fall to the ice or the boards. How many times do you believe your players will put themselves in this situation despite your relentless instruction of the forecheck* or defensive zone coverage? How long before they decide to quit and play a different sport?

Rarely do you see one player pursue a puck in these areas uncontested. This notion itself indicates that body contact is unavoidable and that it should in fact be encouraged in a controlled environment. Like any particular skill, the environment, the task, and the individual have to be considered for ideal motor learning and achievement of the skill. To be confident in these areas, players need to practice the skills associated with body contact repeated1. This may be the difference between sustain puck possession in the offensive zone or the defensive zone and an injury free season.

Below are some interesting sites that present body contact, checking progressions, edge work and puck possession that may be helpful to coaches of all levels.